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Philipp wrote to me about Instagram, and we talked a little. Exciting. Philipp works with some watch manufacturers and microbrands in different ways. Wow. That sounds very interesting. And he is still a passionate watch collector. So let’s go to the interview!

1. Philipp, who are you, where do you live, what do you do?! Job, spare time, hobbies, passions etc..

Hello David. I am 28 years young, married and live in the district of Regensburg. Professionally I am employed with a large automobile manufacturer. I like to spend my free time with my wife, our common dogs (2 Labradors) and my friends.

My hobbies include passionate collecting as well as taking pictures of wristwatches. In addition I run my personal watch blog ( https://www.instagram.com/philipp_watch/ ) on which I post 2x a day my pictures of own watches and the watches of customers. This photography operates as a small business and earns me thereby also the money for new acquisitions ( Of course watches *Grins* )

2. How and when were you infected with the clock virus? What happened? And what was your first watch to make that difference?

Certina DS Caimano Gent ETA2824-2 Automatic

So real interest in watches, I got about 2012. I was tired of spending a lot of money on watches that after 2-3 months gave up the ghost. That’s why I searched the internet for reasonable models and registered in the watch forum to get some tips. After long research and self-discovery it was clear that it should be a Certina DS Caimano Gent with the famous ETA2824-2 automatic movement.

I still own this watch and it accompanied me to many countries ( Spain/ Italy/ South Africa/ Emirates/ ). Sure, there are some tracks on the good piece that tell a lot of stories and for this reason I want to give her a big revision in 2019, even if the gaits are still excellent.

3. you have some nice watches in your collection. Can you tell me a few skills?!

Thank you for the compliment. Ok, what is the best way to start…? I would have here a Strela Kosmodrom 42 with the famous Poljot 31681 caliber, which I bought from Julian Kampmann of poljot24.de at that time.

Strela Cosmodrome 42 Poljot 31681 Caliber

This watch was a reward to myself for an indefinite contract of employment, which I received after a long struggle and hard work. I won’t give up this strela, because there are a lot of emotions attached to it.

I’ve been working with Julian for almost 3 years now and I’ve visited him in Munich several times. A cool guy who still cares about his customers. I really enjoy working with him!

Seagull 1963

Another jewel in my collection is the Seagull 1963, also by Poljot24. It was my first chronograph ever. The funny thing is, I didn’t want this watch at all, because the terms “Chinese Air Force Watch” and “China Caliber” made me quite insecure.

Is the quality right at all? Does it look cheap? Can it withstand shocks? Thank God the Uhrforum was able to teach me better… Meanwhile the Seagull 1963 is one of my favourite watches and also with my followers on Instagram, this piece of jewellery goes down very well.

Seiko SNZH55K1

Now we come to an important watch that has, so to speak, set the whole passion in motion. We’re talking about the Seiko SNZH55K1. According to my Certina DS, my passion was first satisfied after 3-4 months. You certainly know that… In the beginning you’re on fire, but then the enthusiasm gradually fades away and you lose sight of the real hobby/goal.

It was the same with me. I had a longer break, but never completely got away from it and at some point, after a year, I knew that I just couldn’t finish with the watch theme. Now or never I thought and bought after a long time back and forth finally this Seiko Glossy in black. I still own this watch and wear it daily at work.

Alexander Shorokhoff EQUA AS EQ01-4M

The next model can also tell a story. It is the Alexander Shorokhoff EQUA AS. EQ01-4M. At that time I received this watch as “payment” for the pictures I made for the Shorokhoff manufactory.

I was even allowed to pick her up personally in Alzenau, the seat of the A.S manufactory. I was also allowed to exchange a few words with Mr. Shorokhoff. So the whole day was just terrific and the long journey was more than worth it.

Omega Speedmaster Mark 4.5 Lemania 5100 Caliber 1985

Now we’re going to the Vintage Corner. The next models have it in them. The 1st model is the Omega Speedmaster Mark 4.5 with the famous Lemania 5100 caliber from 1985.

Omega Speedmaster Reduced 1999

And to the 2nd the Omega Speedmaster Reduced, from the year 1999. These two beauties I bought only in August/September 2018 from the clock forum market place.

The special thing about them is their condition. They look like new. By the way, my wife didn’t understand why you had to buy 2 Omegas every 3 weeks… Funny 😉

TAG Heuer “Batman” GMT Formula 1 Calibre 7 ETA2893-2

Next: The TAG Heuer “Batman” GMT Formula 1 Calibre 7 with the ETA2893-2. This watch is probably the most important watch in my collection. Why? I have worn this fine piece of jewellery for my church wedding in 2018.

Unfortunately, I wear it far too rarely, but if she does manage to wear it on her arm, it is with pride and beautiful memories of probably the best day of my life.

Seiko UFO 6138-0011

I drift off again into the vintage corner and have a model, which for me is called “Japanese Grail”. The Seiko Chronograph from 1977 – Seiko UFO 6138-0011.

The condition is really the absolute blast. I bought this watch from the Uhrforum. The good piece had 2017 or beginning of 2018 a complete revision with NOS parts.

Due to its phenomenal condition it is rarely worn. But when she comes to my arm… My dear Charlie, my chest swells with pride =)

4. Do you wear a watch every day and if so, what do you decide to wear?

Yes, my beloved Seiko SNZH55K1 ( Glossy ) on the black Natoband. She is simply my daily rocker for work. In my spare time I wear all my watches alternately. This also reduces wear and tear and I enjoy them for a long time. Which watch comes to my arm depends on which activities I have to do.

If I know that tonight I am having dinner with friends or my wife or family, then I like to choose a Dresswatch. During “normal” activities I simply wear what I feel like. Whether it is a diver, a chronograph, a cheap or an expensive watch doesn’t matter to me.

5. What are watches to you?! Jewellery, status symbol, something else?!

A very nice question! First and foremost, watches, especially mechanical ones, are something like art for me. Either you like art, or you don’t. I love art and therefore I also love (almost all) watches. A 200€ Seiko 5 fascinates me as much as a 5000€ Omega.

6. which is your next wish clock?! And why?

My wish watch? Oh there is one that simply does not go out of my head. It concerns the Rolex Milgauss ( https://www.rolex.com/watches/milgauss/m116400gv-0001.html ). I love the design and everything about the watch. I think I will treat myself to this watch also in the next 1-2 years. Pooh… I already get sweaty hands from writing when I only think of this watch.

7. if money doesn’t matter, which watch would you like to buy?! And why?

If money doesn’t matter, I would buy the Patek Philippe Nautilus. The design and especially the work and history of Patek Philippe inspire me. Simply a beautiful watch ( https://www.patek.com/en/collection/nautilus/5711-1A-010 )

8. Which of your watch pictures do you like best, and why?

Seiko Presage SSA385J1

I have many pictures which I like very much. My current favorite picture number 1 is currently one that shows my new watch, the Seiko Presage SSA385J1.

The watch is limited to 7000 pieces and the workmanship is really a dream. I had a lot of fun taking pictures of it and working on it. I think this watch will accompany me for a very long time.

9. how did it happen that you now offer your services to watch manufacturers & microbrands? And what exactly do you do for them?

It all started around 2015 with the Seagull 1963 and with Julian Kampmann. I bought the watch from him and took some pictures with the smartphone. As a thank you for the smooth operation and the nice advice, I sent him 3-4 pictures, which he still uses today on his homepage. As a small thank-you there was even a Rios leather band. After this remuneration in “Naturalien” I thought to myself: Wait a minute…

I love watches and I love to photograph them and now I even get something for it as payment…. You have to stay on the ball Philipp! And so it was and remained then also thereby, I became clock photographer =) I am still very grateful to Julian for this “deal” and the existing cooperation and I am also pretty sure that without him and his many models I was allowed to photograph there would be no Philipp_Watch. At this point a big thank you to you Julian!

And on the question, what exactly I do for these manufacturers & microbrands, I can and will give you gladly also an answer. At the beginning is the contact. Either I will be contacted, or I will write to the manufacturers personally and inquire whether they are interested in a cooperation. If a positive answer comes back from me or from them, they will of course agree on the number of pictures, the motifs and the financial aspects.

Since there is a lot of work and free time in my pictures, I cannot and do not want to do without a financial compensation or a reward watch. Once everything has been clarified, I get to work and take pictures, edit everything and send the finished pictures to the client. I myself use these pictures on my Instagram page and so the manufacturers have great advertising. My work can then be admired on the respective homepages / fairs and catalogs.

10. where do you think the watch market will move to? What will happen in 10 years and what won’t?

Ui, a difficult question. Currently the so-called Smartwatches are very popular. Personally I can’t do anything with these gimmicks. Unfortunately, at the moment there are few new ideas on the watch market. Many designs repeat themselves and I have to admit that they also bore me a bit. I doubt whether customers will like it in the long run.

Currently, some manufacturers rely on models that have a certain vintage touch and simply use a design that they used 20-30-40 years ago. It’s all a matter of taste, of course, and I don’t want anyone to see my personal opinion as an attack. I am happy about manufacturers like Alexander Shorokhoff or Microbrands, which (finally) bring affordable fresh wind into the watch industry and keep the fascination of “watches” alive.

11. What else would you like to say to my readers? What have I forgotten to ask?!

My tip to all watch enthusiasts out there is: Buy watches that you like and where the price/performance ratio is right. Wristwatches that you buy out of love and conviction, wear much more pleasantly and make you happy. The brand doesn’t matter (almost always). Anyone who buys a watch just to be admired for its brand will soon lose the joy of his time travel.

Thank you for your interest in my passion/story and the interview. It was really fun.

Many greetings to all

Philip

To the Instagram account:

philipp_watch